Indy Standard

State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) outlined his ongoing efforts to improve government efficiency in Indiana, emphasizing the importance of responsible fiscal policy and reducing unnecessary bureaucracy.

Bartels highlighted his support for a new two-year balanced budget that aims to cut taxes while maintaining essential services and preserving the state’s AAA credit rating. The budget focuses on efficient government spending and encourages local governments to limit expenditures, which is intended to help keep property taxes low for residents.

In education, Bartels noted the passage of a reform bill that reduces regulations on K-12 schools by 10 percent. The legislation eliminated nearly 35,000 words from the state code, including outdated COVID-19 requirements and redundant statutes. This change is designed to give local communities more influence over educational decisions.

Healthcare reforms were also discussed. Lawmakers have worked on improving cost transparency within the healthcare system and advanced Medicaid reforms aimed at reducing fraud and abuse.

“These new laws and policies continue upon my commitment to reign in government spending and keep taxes low. However, our work does not end upon adjournment of session,” Bartels said.

During the legislative interim, Bartels serves as vice chair of the Government Reform Task Force. The task force reviews external policies implemented by agencies with a goal of recommending improvements for state boards, commissions, and councils.

“We met in August to discuss reforming boards and commissions that are redundant, outdated or inactive. The task force identified 224 boards and commissions currently in Indiana. The General Assembly is adding to this number by a rate of 3.5 new boards and commissions each year,” he said.

Bartels pointed out that consolidating or eliminating overlapping boards could contribute to increased efficiency and reduced spending: “The various boards and commissions in our state do important work, however, some of them serve similar professions and have similar goals. Those could be combined, reformed or eliminated to better serve Hoosiers.”

He expressed continued support for deregulation across other policy areas with an aim toward streamlining government operations for residents and businesses: “I will also support further deregulation in other policy areas to streamline efforts and reduce the burden of government on everyday Hoosiers, small businesses and families.”

Bartels concluded by encouraging constituents to share their thoughts on how government can better serve them: “Additionally, I always encourage constituents to contact me and share their own ideas and thoughts on how government can better serve you.”

State Rep. Stephen Bartels represents House District 74 covering Crawford, Perry, Spencer counties as well as parts of Dubois and Orange counties.